U.S. patent number 7,061,137 [Application Number 10/271,626] was granted by the patent office on 2006-06-13 for vehicle data communications bus disrupter and associated methods.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Omega Patents, L.L.C.. Invention is credited to Kenneth E. Flick.
United States Patent |
7,061,137 |
Flick |
June 13, 2006 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Vehicle data communications bus disrupter and associated
methods
Abstract
A vehicle security system may disrupt communications on a
vehicle data communications bus, such as to prevent starting of the
vehicle engine. The vehicle security system may include at least
one vehicle security sensor, a vehicle data communications bus
disrupter for disrupting communications on the vehicle data
communications bus, and a security controller for selectively
operating the vehicle data communications bus disrupter. The
disrupter may be operated based upon the at least one vehicle
security sensor to thereby disable the vehicle engine. The
disrupter may alternately be operated based on a signal from a
monitoring station that receives position information from the
vehicle.
Inventors: |
Flick; Kenneth E.
(Douglasville, GA) |
Assignee: |
Omega Patents, L.L.C.
(Douglasville, GA)
|
Family
ID: |
29270320 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/271,626 |
Filed: |
October 16, 2002 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20040075538 A1 |
Apr 22, 2004 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
307/10.3;
340/426.11; 340/5.31; 340/5.72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R
25/04 (20130101); B60R 25/1004 (20130101); B60R
25/1018 (20130101); B60R 25/33 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B60R
25/10 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;340/5.31,5.72,426.11
;307/10.3 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
"Surface Vehicle Information Report" by Society of Automotive
Engineers, Inc. (SAE); No. J2058 issued Jun. 21, 1990. cited by
other .
"Surface Vehicle Standard" by Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.
(SAE); No. J1850 issued Nov. 1988 and revised in Jul. 1995. cited
by other .
"The Thick and Thin of Car Cabling" by Thompson published in the
IEEE Spectrum, Feb. 1996, pp. 42-45; Spectrum editor: Michael J.
Riezenman. cited by other .
SAE International, In-Vehicle Electronics for IVHS Workshop,
Speaker Handouts, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 1995. cited by other .
SAE International, In-Vehicle Electronics for Intelligent
Transportation Systems, Workshop II Results, Jul. 9-10, 1996. cited
by other .
SAE International, Wolfgang Voss and Karlheinz Butscher, In-Vehicle
Data Bus Systems--the Key for New Concepts In Comfort and
Convenience Electronics, Feb. 26-29, 1996, pp. 1-9. cited by other
.
SAE International, Chuck Powers and Randy Frank, The
Consumerization of the Automotive Environment: The ITS Data Bus,
Aug. 6-8, 1997, pp. 1-7. cited by other.
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Primary Examiner: Sircus; Brian
Assistant Examiner: Parries; Dru
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Allen, Dyer, Doppelt, Milbrath
& Gilchrist, P.A.
Claims
That which is claimed is:
1. A vehicle security system for a vehicle comprising an engine, at
least one vehicle engine device, and a vehicle data communications
bus carrying communications for the at least one vehicle engine
device, the vehicle security system comprising: at least one
vehicle security sensor; a vehicle data communications bus
disrupter for disrupting communications on the vehicle data
communications bus for the at least one vehicle engine device; and
a security controller for selectively operating said vehicle data
communications bus disrupter based upon said at least one vehicle
security sensor to disable the vehicle engine.
2. A vehicle security system according to claim 1 wherein the at
least one vehicle engine device comprises an engine starter.
3. A vehicle security system according to claim 1 wherein the at
least one vehicle engine device comprises an engine ignition
device.
4. A vehicle security system according to claim 1 wherein the at
least one vehicle engine device comprises an engine fuel supply
device.
5. A vehicle security system according to claim 1 wherein said
vehicle data communications bus disrupter is directly connected to
the vehicle data communications bus.
6. A vehicle security system according to claim 5 wherein the data
communications bus comprises a plurality of electrical conductors;
and wherein said data communications bus disrupter connects the
plurality of electrical conductors together.
7. A vehicle security system according to claim 5 wherein the data
communications bus comprises at least one electrical conductor; and
wherein said data communications bus disrupter connects the at
least one electrical conductor to a reference voltage.
8. A vehicle security system according to claim 5 wherein the data
communications bus comprises at least one electrical conductor; and
wherein said data communications bus disrupter generates a data bus
disruption signal onto the at least one electrical conductor.
9. A vehicle security system according to claim 1 wherein said
vehicle data communications bus disrupter is inductively coupled to
the vehicle data communications bus.
10. A vehicle security system according to claim 1 further
comprising: a positioning determining device connected to said
security controller; and a wireless communications device connected
to said security controller for communicating position information
to a monitoring station.
11. A vehicle security system according to claim 10 wherein said
security controller is also for selectively operating said vehicle
data communications bus disrupter responsive to the monitoring
station.
12. A vehicle security system according to claim 1 wherein said at
least one vehicle security sensor is connected to said security
controller via the vehicle data communications bus.
13. A vehicle security system according to claim 12 wherein said
security controller is switchable between armed and disarmed modes;
and further comprising a remote transmitter carried by a user for
switching said security controller between the armed and disarmed
modes.
14. A vehicle security system according to claim 13 wherein said
security controller turns of if said vehicle data communications
bus disrupter based upon a predetermined event to permit renewed
communications with said at least one vehicle security sensor.
15. A vehicle security system according to claim 14 wherein said
predetermined event is at least one of the passage of a
predetermined time, a predetermined number of vehicle ignition
cycles, and a predetermined communication from the remote
transmitter.
16. A vehicle security system according to claim 1 wherein said at
least one vehicle security sensor comprises at least one of a door
switch, a hood switch, a trunk switch, a proximity sensor, and a
motion sensor.
17. A vehicle security system according to claim 1 further
comprising at least one alarm indicator connected to said security
controller.
18. A vehicle security system according to claim 17 wherein said
alarm indicator is connected to said security controller via the
vehicle data communications bus.
19. A vehicle security system according to claim 17 wherein said
alarm indicator comprises at least one of a vehicle light, a
vehicle horn, a siren, a speech message generator, and a remote
pager.
20. A vehicle security system for a vehicle comprising a vehicle
engine, at least one vehicle engine device, and a vehicle data
communications bus carrying communications for the at least one
vehicle engine device, the vehicle security system comprising: a
vehicle position-determining device; a wireless communications
device; a security controller cooperating with said wireless
communications device and said vehicle position determining device
for sending vehicle position information to a monitoring station;
and a vehicle data communications bus disrupter rot disrupting
communications on the vehicle data communications bus; said
security controller also selectively operating said vehicle data
communications bus disrupter based upon the monitoring station to
disable the vehicle engine.
21. A vehicle security system according to claim 20 wherein the at
least one vehicle engine devices comprises at least one of an
engine starter, an engine ignition device, and an engine fuel
supply device.
22. A vehicle security system according to claim 20 wherein the
data communications bus comprises a plurality of electrical
conductors; and wherein said data communications bus disrupter
connects the plurality of electrical conductors together.
23. A vehicle security system according to claim 20 wherein the
data communications bus comprises at least one electrical
conductor; and wherein said data communications bus disrupter
connects the at least one electrical conductor to a reference
voltage.
24. A vehicle security system according to claim 20 wherein the
data communications bus comprises at least one electrical
conductor; and wherein said data communications bus disrupter
generates a data bus disruption signal onto the at least one
electrical conductor.
25. A vehicle security system according to claim 20 wherein said
vehicle data communications bus disrupter is inductively coupled to
the vehicle data communications bus.
26. A vehicle security system according to claim 20 wherein said
security controller is switchable between armed and disarmed modes;
and further comprising a remote transmitter carried by a user for
switching said security controller between the armed and disarmed
modes.
27. A vehicle security system according to claim 26 further
comprising at least one alarm indicator connected to said security
controller.
28. A method for disabling a vehicle engine for a vehicle
comprising at least one vehicle engine device, and a vehicle data
communications bus carrying communications for the at least one
vehicle engine device, the method comprising: selectively
disrupting communications on the vehicle data communications bus to
disable the vehicle engine.
29. A method according to claim 28 wherein the at least one vehicle
engine device comprises at least one of an engine starter, an
engine ignition device, and an engine fuel supply device.
30. A method according to claim 28 wherein selectively disrupting
comprises directly connecting a vehicle data communications bus
disrupter to the vehicle data communications bus.
31. A method according to claim 30 wherein the vehicle data
communications bus comprises a plurality off electrical conductors;
and wherein the vehicle data communications bus disrupter connects
the plurality of electrical conductors together.
32. A method according to claim 30 wherein the vehicle data
communications bus comprises at least one electrical conductor; and
wherein the vehicle data communications bus disrupter connects the
at least one electrical conductor to a reference voltage.
33. A method according to claim 30 wherein the vehicle data
communications bus comprises at least one electrical conductor; and
wherein the vehicle data communications bus disrupter generates a
data bus disruption signal onto the at least one electrical
conductor.
34. A method according to claim 28 wherein the vehicle data
communications bus disrupter is inductively coupled to the vehicle
data communications bus.
35. A method according to claim 28 wherein selectively disrupting
is responsive to at least one control signal from at least one
control device.
36. A method according to claim 35 wherein said at least one
control device comprises at least one of a vehicle security
controller, a token reader, a biometric reader, a remote station
receiver, a personal identification number code reader, and an
ignition switch sensor.
37. A vehicle control system for a vehicle comprising at least one
vehicle device, and a vehicle data communications bus carrying
communications for the at least one vehicle device, the data
communications bus including at least one electrical conductor, the
vehicle control system comprising: a vehicle data communications
bus disrupter for disrupting communications on the vehicle data
communications bus for the at least one vehicle device, said
vehicle data bus communications bus disrupter disrupting
communications on the vehicle data communications bus by connecting
the at least one electrical conductor to a reference voltage; and
at least one control device for selectively operating said vehicle
data communications bus disrupter.
38. A vehicle control system according to claim 37 wherein the at
least one vehicle device comprises at least one of an engine
starter; an engine ignition device; and an engine fuel supply
device.
39. A vehicle control system according to claim 37 wherein said at
least one control device comprises a vehicle security
controller.
40. A vehicle control system according to claim 39 wherein said
security controller is also for selectively operating said vehicle
data communications bus disrupter responsive to a remote
station.
41. A vehicle control system according to claim 37 wherein said at
least one control device comprises at least one of a token reader,
a biometric reader, a remote station receiver, and a personal
identification number code reader.
42. A vehicle control system according to claim 37 wherein said at
least one control device comprises an ignition switch sensor.
43. A vehicle data communications bus disrupter for a vehicle
comprising a vehicle data communications bus carrying
communications for at least one vehicle device, and the vehicle
data communications bus including a plurality of electrical
conductors, the vehicle data communications bus disrupter
comprising: control logic for receiving at least one control
signal; and an output circuit to be coupled to the vehicle data
communications bus and being responsive to said control logic for
selectively disrupting communications on the vehicle data
communications bus for the at least one vehicle device based upon
the at least one control signal, and said output circuit comprising
a disrupting signal generator comprising at least one switch for
connecting the plurality of electrical conductors together to
disrupt communications on the vehicle data communications bus.
44. A vehicle data communications bus disrupter according to claim
43 wherein the at least one vehicle device comprise at least one of
an engine starter, an engine ignition device, and an engine fuel
supply device.
45. A vehicle data communications bus disrupter according to claim
43 wherein the at least one control signal comprises at least one
of a vehicle security controller, a token reader, a biometric
reader, a remote station receiver, a personal identification number
code reader, and an ignition switch sensor.
46. A method for disabling a vehicle engine for a vehicle
comprising at least one vehicle engine device, and a vehicle data
communications bus carrying communications for the at least one
vehicle engine device, and the vehicle data communications bus
including at least one electrical conductor, the method comprising:
selectively disrupting communications on the vehicle data
communications bus to disable the vehicle engine; and coupling an
output circuit to the vehicle data communications bus for
selectively disrupting communications on the vehicle data
communications bus for the at least one vehicle device based upon
at least one control signal, and the output circuit comprising a
disrupting signal generator for generating a disrupting signal onto
the at least one electrical conductor.
47. A method according to claim 46 wherein the at least one vehicle
engine device comprises at least one of an engine starter, an
engine ignition device, and an engine fuel supply device.
48. A method according to claim 46 wherein selectively disrupting
comprises directly connecting a vehicle data communications bus
disrupter to the vehicle data communications bus.
49. A method according to claim 48 wherein the vehicle data
communications bus further comprises a plurality of electrical
conductors; and wherein the vehicle data communications bus
disrupter connects the plurality of electrical conductors
together.
50. A method according to claim 48 wherein the vehicle data
communications bus disrupter connects the at least one electrical
conductor to a reference voltage.
51. A method according to claim 48 wherein the vehicle data
communications bus disrupter generates a data bus disruption signal
onto the at least one electrical conductor.
52. A method according to claim 46 wherein the vehicle data
communications bus disrupter is inductively coupled to the vehicle
data communications bus.
53. A method according to claim 46 wherein selectively disrupting
is responsive to at least one control signal from at least one
control device.
54. A method according to claim 53 wherein said at least one
control device comprises a least one of a vehicle security
controller, a token reader, a biometric reader, a remote station
receiver, a personal identification number code reader, and an
ignition switch sensor.
55. A method according to claim 46 wherein the output circuit
further comprises an inductive coupling interface for inductively
coupling the disrupting signal generator onto the at least one
electrical conductor.
56. A method according to claim 46 wherein the at least one control
signal comprises at least one of a vehicle security controller, a
token reader, a biometric reader, a remote station receiver, a
personal identification number code reader, and an ignition switch
sensor.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of security and control
systems and, more particularly, to security and control systems and
related methods for a vehicle having a vehicle data communications
bus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Vehicle security systems are widely used to deter vehicle theft,
prevent theft of valuables from a vehicle, deter vandalism, and to
protect vehicle owners and occupants. A typical vehicle security
system, for example, includes a central processor or controller
connected to a plurality of vehicle sensors. The sensors, for
example, may detect opening of the trunk, hood, doors, windows, and
also movement of the vehicle or within the vehicle. Ultrasonic and
microwave motion detectors, vibration sensors, sound
discriminators, differential pressure sensors, and switches may be
used as sensors. In addition, radar sensors may be used to monitor
the area proximate the vehicle.
The controller typically operates to give an alarm indication in
the event of triggering of a vehicle sensor. The alarm indication
may typically be flashing of vehicle lights and/or sounding of the
vehicle horn or a siren. In addition, the vehicle fuel supply
and/or ignition power may be selectively disabled based upon an
alarm condition.
A typical security system also includes a receiver associated with
the controller that cooperates with one or more remote transmitters
typically carried by a user as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,383,242 to Sassover et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,146,215 to
Drori. The remote transmitter may be used to arm and disarm the
vehicle security system or provide other remote control features
from a predetermined range away from the vehicle. Also related to
remote control of a vehicle function U.S. Pat. No. 5,252,966 to
Lambropoulous et al. discloses a remote keyless entry system for a
vehicle. The keyless entry system permits the user to remotely open
the vehicle doors or open the vehicle trunk using a small handheld
transmitter.
Unfortunately, the majority of vehicle security systems need to be
directly connected by wires to individual vehicle devices, such as
the vehicle horn or door switches of the vehicle. In other words, a
conventional vehicle security system is hardwired to various
vehicle components, typically by splicing into vehicle wiring
harnesses or via interposing T-harnesses and connectors. The number
of electrical devices in a vehicle has increased so that the size
and complexity of wiring harnesses has also increased. For example,
the steering wheel may include horn switches, an airbag,
turn-signal and headlight switches, wiper controls, cruise control
switches, ignition wiring, an emergency flasher switch, and/or
radio controls. Likewise, a door of a vehicle, for example, may
include window controls, looks, outside mirror switches, and/or
door-panel light switches.
In response to the increased wiring complexity and costs, vehicle
manufacturers have begun attempts to reduce the amount of wiring
within vehicles to reduce weight, reduce wire routing problems,
decrease costs, and reduce complications which may arise when
troubleshooting the electrical system. For example, some
manufacturers have adopted multiplexing schemes to reduce cables to
three or four wires and to simplify the exchange of data among the
various onboard electronic systems as disclosed, for example, in an
article titled, "The Thick and Thin of Car Cabling" by Thompson
appearing in the IEEE Spectrum, February 1996, pp. 4245.
Implementing multiplexing concepts in vehicles in a cost-effective
and reliable manner may not be easy. Successful implementation, for
example, may require the development of low or error free
communications in what may be considered harsh vehicle
environments. With multiplexing technology, the various electronic
modules or devices may be linked by signal wire in a bus that also
contains a power wire, and one or more ground wires. Digital
messages are communicated to all modules over the data
communications bus. Each message may have one or more addresses
associated with it so that the devices can recognize which messages
to ignore and which messages to respond to or read.
The Thompson article describes a number of multiplexed networks for
vehicles. In particular, the Grand Cherokee made by Chrysler is
described as having five multiplex nodes or controllers: the engine
controller, the temperature controller, the airbag controller, the
theft alarm, and the overhead console. Other nodes for different
vehicles may include a transmission controller, a trip computer, an
instrument cluster controller, an antilock braking controller, an
active suspension controller, and a body controller for devices in
the passenger compartment.
A number of patent references are also directed to digital or
multiplex communications networks or circuits, such as may be used
in a vehicle. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,262 to Sinniger et
al. discloses a multiplex bus system including a master control
unit and a plurality of receiver transmitter units connected
thereto. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,055,772 to Leung discloses a
power bus in a vehicle controlled by a low current digitally coded
communications system. Other references disclosing various vehicle
multiplex control systems include, for example, U.S. Pat. No.
4,760,275 to Sato et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,697,092 to Roggendorf et
al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,783 to Burgess et al.
Several standards have been proposed for vehicle multiplex networks
including, for example, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE),
"Surface Vehicle Standard, Class B Data Communications Network
Interface", SAE J1850, July 1995. Another report by the SAE is the
"Surface Vehicle Information Report, Chrysler Sensor and Control
(CSC) Bus Multiplexing Network for Class `A` Applications", SAE
J2058, July 1990. Many other networks are also being implemented or
proposed for communications between vehicle devices and nodes or
controllers.
Unfortunately, conventional vehicle security systems for hardwired
connection to vehicle devices, such as aftermarket vehicle security
systems, are not readily adaptable to a vehicle including a vehicle
data communications bus. Moreover, a vehicle security system, if
adapted for a vehicle data communications bus and devices for one
particular model, model year, and manufacturer, may not be
compatible with any other models, model years, or manufacturers.
Other systems for remote control of vehicle functions may also
suffer from such shortcomings.
One significant advance in the field of vehicle security systems
for vehicles having data communications buses is found in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,719,551 to Flick, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference. The patent discloses a vehicle
security system that is adaptable for installation in a vehicle
having a data communications bus, and wherein the controller may
learn or otherwise have downloaded thereto the desired device codes
for a given vehicle from among a plurality of vehicles. In other
words, the vehicle security system may be readily adapted to a
vehicle including a data communications bus and may provide an
alarm indication that deters vehicle theft. This device, while
especially useful in many applications, may be relatively
complicated for a more basic application, such as preventing engine
starting, for example.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of
the present invention to provide a system that is readily adaptable
for installation in a vehicle having a data communications bus and
that is suitable for vehicle control applications, such as
preventing or disabling vehicle engine starting, for example.
This and other objects, advantages, and features of the present
invention are provided by a vehicle security or control system
including a vehicle data communications bus disrupter for
selectively disrupting communications on the vehicle data
communications bus. More particularly, the vehicle system may be
for a vehicle comprising a vehicle engine, at least one vehicle
engine device, such as enabling starting of the vehicle engine, and
a vehicle data communications bus carrying communications for the
at least one vehicle device. The vehicle system may further
comprise a security controller for selectively operating the
vehicle data communications bus disrupter based upon at least one
vehicle security sensor to disable the vehicle engine. The
plurality of vehicle devices may comprise an engine starter, an
engine ignition device, or an engine fuel supply device, for
example. The data bus disrupter provides a relatively simple and
cost-effective approach to interface a starter interrupt feature in
a vehicle including a data communications bus, for example.
The vehicle data communications bus disrupter may be inductively
coupled or directly connected to the vehicle data communications
bus via a hard wired connection. The directly connected
configuration may connect a plurality of electrical conductors of
the data bus together, or may connect at least one electrical
conductor to a reference voltage. A disruption signal may also be
generated and placed on the data bus.
The vehicle security system may alternately or additionally include
a positioning determining device and a wireless communications
device, both connected to the security controller, for
communicating position information to a monitoring station. The
security controller may also selectively operate the vehicle data
communications bus disrupter responsive to the monitoring station.
In other words, the starter interrupt feature can be selected from
a user away from the vehicle and can be communicated to the
vehicle. In some embodiments, the one or more vehicle security
sensors may be connected to the security controller via the vehicle
data communications bus. Accordingly, the security controller may
turn off the vehicle data communications bus disrupter based on a
predetermined event to permit renewed communication with the
vehicle security sensors, for example. The predetermined event may
include a predetermined time, a predetermined number of vehicle
ignition cycles, or a predetermined signal received from a remote
transmitter carried by a user, for example.
The vehicle security sensor may comprise at least one of a door
switch, a hood switch, a trunk switch, a proximity sensor, and a
motion sensor. Additionally, the vehicle security system may
include an alarm indicator connected directly to the security
controller or indirectly via the vehicle data communications bus.
The alarm indicator may include at least one of a vehicle light, a
vehicle horn, a siren, a speech message generator, and a remote
pager. The security controller may be switchable between armed and
disarmed modes, and the system may further include a remote
transmitter carried by a user for switching the security controller
between the armed and disarmed modes.
In other embodiments, the vehicle control system may include
different types of control devices for operating the data bus
disrupter. For example, the control device may comprise at least
one of a token reader, a biometric reader, a remote station
receiver, and a personal identification number code reader. Of
course, for many of the embodiments, the control device may also
include an ignition switch sensor.
The vehicle data communications bus disrupter may comprise control
logic for receiving as an input at least one control signal. The
disrupter may also include an output circuit to be coupled to the
vehicle data communications bus and being responsive to the control
logic for selectively disrupting communications on the vehicle data
communications bus for at least one vehicle device based upon the
at least one control signal. The output circuit may comprise at
least one switch for connecting a plurality of electrical
conductors of the data bus together. Alternately, the output
circuit may comprise at least one switch for connecting at least
one electrical conductor of the data bus to a voltage reference,
such as ground or the positive vehicle supply. In other
embodiments, the output circuit may comprise a disrupting signal
generator for generating a disrupting signal onto the at least one
electrical conductor. In still other embodiments, the output
circuit may further comprise an inductive coupling interface for
inductively coupling the disrupting signal generator onto the at
least one electrical conductor.
One method aspect of the invention is for disabling a vehicle
engine for a vehicle comprising at least one vehicle engine device,
and a vehicle data communications bus carrying communications for
the at least one vehicle engine device. The method may comprise
selectively disrupting communications on the vehicle data
communications bus to disable the vehicle engine. For example, the
at least one vehicle engine device may comprise at least one of an
engine starter, an engine ignition device, an engine fuel supply
device.
Another method aspect of the invention is for disrupting
communications for at least one vehicle device connected to a
vehicle data communications bus. The method may comprise coupling
an output circuit to the vehicle data communications bus for
selectively disrupting communications on the vehicle data
communications bus for the at least one vehicle device based upon
the at least one control signal. For example, the at least one
vehicle device may comprise at least one of an engine starter, an
engine ignition device, and an engine fuel supply device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a first embodiment of a
vehicle security system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a more detailed schematic block diagram of the vehicle
data communications bus disrupter as shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a more detailed schematic block diagram of an alternate
embodiment of a vehicle data communications bus disrupter as shown
in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a more detailed schematic block diagram of another
embodiment of a vehicle data communications bus disrupter as shown
in FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a second embodiment of the
vehicle security system according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a more detailed schematic block diagram of the vehicle
data communications bus disrupter as shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a third embodiment of the
vehicle security system according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of yet another embodiment of a
vehicle control system in accordance with the present
invention.
FIGS. 9 and 10 are flow charts showing operation of the vehicle
security systems according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred
embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout, and prime and multiple prime notations are
used in alternate embodiments to indicate similar elements.
Referring initially to FIGS. 1 4, a first embodiment of vehicle
security system 20 is now described. The vehicle security system 20
is for a vehicle comprising a vehicle engine 21, a plurality of
vehicle devices 40 enabling starting of the vehicle engine, and a
vehicle data communications bus 30 extending through the vehicle
and carrying communications for the vehicle devices. The vehicle
data communications bus 30 may include wires and/or optical fibers,
for example, connected between the vehicle devices 40 so that the
vehicle devices may communicate with one another, as understood by
those skilled in the art.
Each of the vehicle devices typically includes a transmitter and
receiver to transmit and receive signals from the vehicle data
communications bus 30. In addition, each vehicle device 40 may
include associated circuitry for performing a function based on
received signals, and/or sensing circuitry for sensing a condition
to be transmitted onto the data bus 30 as will also be appreciated
by those skilled in the art. The vehicle security system 20
illustratively includes a vehicle security sensor or sensors 24
connected to the security controller 50. The vehicle security
sensor 24 may include one or more of a door switch, a hood switch,
a trunk switch, a proximity sensor, a motion sensor, for example,
or any other type of vehicle security sensor that is capable of
monitoring the security status of the vehicle as understood by
those skilled in the art. The vehicle security sensor 24 is
illustratively connected to the processor 52 of the security
controller 50 via a hardwired interface 22.
The security controller 50 includes the processor 52, and a memory
54 connected to the processor. A vehicle data communications bus
disrupter interface 56 connects the processor 52 to the data bus
disrupter 60. Similarly, an optional vehicle data communications
bus interface 58 may connect the processor 52 to the data bus 30 in
some embodiments. The vehicle data communications bus disrupter 60
disrupts communications on the vehicle data communications bus 30,
and the security controller 50 selectively operates the vehicle
data communications bus disrupter 60 based upon the vehicle
security sensor 24 to disable the vehicle engine. By disabling
means that if the vehicle is not currently running, the engine 21
will not be allowed to start. If the vehicle engine 21 is already
running, it may be immediately shut down or simply kept from
restarting once it has been shut down. In either case, the engine
is still disabled.
In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the vehicle data
communications bus disrupter 60 is illustratively directly
connected, i.e., hard wired, to the vehicle data communications bus
30. The vehicle security system 20 also illustratively includes an
alarm indicator 65 connected to the security controller 50 to
provide an alarm indication. The alarm indicator 65 may be a
vehicle light, a vehicle horn, a siren, a speech message generator,
a remote pager, or any other type of indicator as understood by
those skilled in the art. The alarm indicator 65 may be operated by
the controller 50 based upon activation of a vehicle sensor 24, for
example, such as to deter a would-be thief. Disrupting the vehicle
data communications bus 30 may be achieved in any of a number of
different ways. For example, in the embodiment of the disrupter 60
shown in FIG. 2, the data bus 30 includes a pair of electrical
conductors 30a, 30b connected to a corresponding pair of disrupter
outputs 61a, 61b. The electrical conductors may be selectively
connected together by the schematically illustrated switch 62 that,
in turn, is connected to the control logic 63. The control logic 63
illustratively includes a pair of inputs 64a, 64b that may receive
ON and OFF control signals, respectively. The control logic 63 is
also illustratively connected to power inputs 65a, 65b such as for
the vehicle positive voltage and ground, respectively. A timer 66
is illustratively connected to the control logic 63 as may be used
in some embodiments to provide self-contained timing functions as
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Again, in this
embodiment of the vehicle data communications bus disrupter 60, two
or more conductors 30a, 30b of the data bus 30 may be shorted
together, or through a resistor (not shown) to thereby disrupt
communications on the data bus as will also be appreciated by those
skilled in the art. Considered in somewhat different terms, the
switch 62 provides an output circuit connected to the data
communications bus 30.
Turning now more specifically to FIG. 3, another embodiment of the
disrupter 60 is now described. In this embodiment, at least one
electrical conductor 30a of the data bus 30 may be selectively
connected to a reference voltage, such as ground, for example, or
any other suitable reference voltage that will cause disruption of
communications on the data communications bus. The reference
voltage Vref may be generated internally, or may be received on an
external reference voltage input 67. Of course, more than one
electrical conductor may be connected to the same or different
reference voltages as will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art. The other portions of the disrupter 60 are similar to those
discussed above and require no further discussion herein.
Referring now more specifically to FIG. 4, still another embodiment
of a vehicle data communications bus disrupter 60 is now described.
This disrupter 60 can also be used in the overall vehicle security
system 20 as shown in FIG. 1, for example, as well as in other
systems as described in greater detail below.
The illustrated disrupter 60 includes a disrupting signal generator
68 as its output circuit. The disrupting signal generator 68 may
send out interfering signals, noise, etc., which blocks device
receivers, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For
example, the disrupter 60 may transmit noise, or broadband energy,
on the vehicle data communications bus 30 so that the receivers of
the vehicle devices 40 are unable to detect other signals. For
example, for a data bus 30 employing a collision avoidance
communications scheme, the disrupter 60 may constantly send signals
on the data bus so that no device will have an opening to send its
transmission.
Yet another representative approach to disrupting the data
communications bus 30 is to transmit signal codes that would keep
the device circuitry busy performing other functions instead of
starting. Of course, those of skill in the art will appreciate yet
other ways in which the disrupter 60 can jam or disrupt
communications on the data bus 30 and thereby disable the vehicle
engine 21, for example. These disrupting techniques may be used for
electrical and/or fiber optic type data busses as will also be
appreciated by those skilled in the art.
Turning now additionally to FIGS. 5 and 6, another similar
embodiment of the vehicle security system is now described. The
vehicle security system 20 illustratively includes the security
controller 50 which is connected to the vehicle data communications
bus disrupter 70 via the illustrated disrupter interface 56. The
vehicle data communications bus disrupter 70 is illustratively
inductively coupled to the vehicle data communications bus 30,
although in other embodiments it could also be directly hard wire
connected to the data bus as will be appreciated by those skilled
in the art. The inductive coupling does not require direct
connection or splicing to the wires of the data bus 30, for
example. The vehicle devices 40 may include one or more of an
engine starter 40a, an engine ignition device 40b, an engine fuel
supply device 40c, and any other device that is involved with
starting the vehicle engine as understood by those skilled in the
art.
The security controller 50 may also be switchable between armed and
disarmed modes responsive to signals from a remote transmitter 26.
The remote transmitter 26 is typically carried by a user for
switching the security controller 50 between armed and disarmed
modes. The security controller 50 is illustratively connected to a
receiver 28 for receiving signals from the remote transmitter
26.
In this embodiment of the security system 20, the vehicle security
sensor or sensors 24 and alarm indicator 65 are connected to the
controller 50 through the data communications bus 30. Accordingly,
the security controller 50 may also turn off the vehicle data
communications bus disrupter 60 based upon a predetermined event to
permit renewed communications with the vehicle security sensor 24
and/or the alarm indicator 65, for example. The predetermined event
may include the passing of a predetermined time, a predetermined
number of vehicle ignition cycles, or a predetermined communication
from the remote transmitter 26 carried by a user, for example. The
memory 54 and data bus interface 58 are connected to the processor
52 and are similar to the corresponding devices described above
with respect to the security system 20 of FIG. 1. Accordingly,
these devices need no further discussion herein.
As shown in FIG. 6, the disrupter 70 includes circuitry similar to
that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4; however, the disrupter 70
illustratively includes an inductive coupling interface 79 to
interface the disrupting signals from the disrupting signal
generator 78 to an inductive coupling loop 80, for example, that
may be placed in proximity to the data communications bus 30 as
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
The disrupter 70 illustratively includes a pair of disrupter
outputs 71a, 71b connected to the inductive coupling loop 80. The
disrupter outputs 71a, 71b are connected to the disrupting signal
generator 78 via the schematically illustrated inductive coupling
interface 79 that, in turn, is connected to the control logic 63.
The control logic 73 illustratively includes a pair of inputs 74a,
74b that may receive ON and OFF control signals, respectively. The
control logic 73 is also illustratively connected to power inputs
75a, 75b such as for the vehicle positive voltage and ground,
respectively. A timer 76 is illustratively connected to the control
logic 73 as may be used in some embodiments to provide
self-contained timing functions as will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art.
Referring now to FIG. 7, another variation of a vehicle security
system 20 is now described. In this embodiment, the vehicle
security system 20 illustratively includes a vehicle position
determining device 25 connected to the processor 52 of the
controller 50, and a wireless communications device 26 also
connected to the processor. As will be readily appreciated by those
skilled in the art, the security controller 50 cooperates with the
wireless communications device 26 and the vehicle position
determining device 25 for sending vehicle position information to a
monitoring station 27. The monitoring station 27 may be a central
monitoring station serving a number of subscribers, or may be a
monitoring station specific to a given user. In other words, in
this embodiment, the security system 20 provides vehicle position
tracking features.
Other tracking features may also be incorporated into the system 20
as also disclosed, for example, in copending patent application
entitled, Vehicle Tracker Including Stationary Time Determination
and Associated Methods, Ser. No. 09/859,727, filed May 17, 2001 and
to the inventor of the present invention. Additional tracking
features are also described in copending patent application
entitled, Vehicle Tracker Including Deviation in Direction Methods,
Ser. No. 10/105,778, filed Mar. 25, 2002 also to the inventor of
the present invention. The entire contents of both of these
applications are incorporated herein by reference.
In this embodiment, the security controller 50 also selectively
operates the vehicle data communications bus disrupter 60 to
disrupt communications on the vehicle data communications bus 30
and thereby prevent starting of the vehicle engine. The controller
50 causes disrupting based upon signals received from the
monitoring station 27. In other words, a disrupting signal is
illustratively transmitted from the monitoring station 27 to the
wireless communications device 26 which cooperates with the
security controller 50 to jam communications on the vehicle data
communications bus 30. Other elements described above with
reference to FIGS. 1 and 5 are indicated with double prime notation
and need no further discussion herein.
Referring now additionally to FIG. 8, other variations of control
system configurations using the vehicle data bus communications
disrupter 60 are now further described. Although the disrupter 60
as or under the control of another, such as to facilitate
repossession of a vehicle, for example.
Yet another illustrated example of a control device 81 is the
schematically illustrated personal identification (PIN) code reader
85. The PIN code reader 85 may be provided by one or more simple
depressible switches, or a more complicated numeric keypad, for
example, as will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
The PIN code reader 85 provides additional security to the user,
since without proper entry of the PIN code, the vehicle engine
could not be started, for example.
In addition, those of skill in the art will appreciate other
sources of control signals for the vehicle data communications bus
disrupter 60 as described herein. Moreover, in addition to
disabling the vehicle engine, the disrupter 60 can be used to
defeat other functions controlled by the data communications bus
30. For example, the vehicle door locks could also be defeated by
the disrupter as when a vehicle possessor fails to make timely car
payments, for example. Those of skill in the art will appreciate
many other additional scenarios advantageously benefiting from the
disrupter as described herein.
Turning now additionally to the flowchart 90 of FIG. 9, a method of
using the vehicle security system 20 is now described. From the
start (Block 91) it is determined whether the security controller
50 is armed at Block 92. If it is determined at Block 92 that the
security controller 50 is not armed, then the vehicle security
system 20 awaits the arming of the security controller. If;
however, at Block 92 it is determined that the security controller
50 is armed, then vehicle security sensor 24 is monitored at Block
93. At Block 94 it is determined whether the vehicle security
sensor 24 has sensed a security breach. If it is determined that a
security breach has not been sensed, then the vehicle security
sensor 24 is again monitored at Block 93. If, however, it is
determined at Block 94 that a security breach has been sensed, then
the vehicle data communications bus 30 is jammed at Block 95.
At Block 96, it is determined whether a predetermined event has
occurred. If it is determined at Block 96 that the predetermined
event has not occurred, then disrupting of the vehicle data
communications bus is continued. If, however, it is determined at
Block 96 that the predetermined event has occurred, then the
vehicle data communications bus disrupter 60 is turned off. The
vehicle security sensor 24 is then monitored at Block 93.
Turning now additionally to the flowchart 100 of FIG. 10, another
method aspect of the vehicle security system 20 is now described.
From the start (Block 101) the vehicle position is determined at
Block 102. At Block 103 a signal containing the vehicle position is
sent to the monitoring station 27. It may be sent on a
preestablished schedule or based upon predetermined events as
disclosed in the present inventor a copending patent application
identified above.
At Block 104 it is determined whether an engine disable signal has
been received. If the disable signal is received, then the vehicle
data communications bus 30 is jammed at Block 105. At Block 106, it
is determined whether a predetermined event has occurred. If it is
determined at Block 106 that the predetermined event has not
occurred, then disrupting is continued on the vehicle data
communications bus 30. If, however, it is determined at Block 106
that the predetermined event has occurred, then the vehicle
position is again determined at Block 102.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come
to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the
teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the
associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the
invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments
disclosed, and that other modifications and embodiments are
intended to be included within the scope of the appended
claims.
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